Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility

MMF houses a broad range of advanced microanalysis instrumentation providing high quality chemical, mineralogical and microstructural information, and high resolution images for research and technical publications. The facility staff have expertise in Materials and Earth Science research which is used to support both academic and applied research in science, engineering and biological disciplines across a broad range of academic projects and in Western Australian industries, particularly in minerals and energy sectors.

MIRA VP-FESEM

The Mira3 is a variable pressure field emission scanning electron microscope (VP-FESEM) that features sensitive EDS and EBSD detectors and integrated software for high quality microstructural analysis of crystalline samples.

EVO SEM

The Evo is a variable pressure scanning electron microscope (VP-SEM). The microscope is suitable for general purpose microstructural analysis at high vacuum, or for the analysis of non-conductive/hydrated samples at lower vacuum.

FEI TALOS FS200X G2 FEG TEM

The FEI Talos field emission gun (FEG) transmission electron microscope (TEM) is built on an advanced operating platform for atomic lattice resolution imaging and nanoscale microanalysis. The TEM is equipped with highly sensitive Super-X EDS detectors for elemental analysis. This instrument is capable of 3D tomography investigations in all modes of operation (TEM, STEM & EDS).

Sample Preparation Laboratory

The MMF has a suite of equipment that includes an ion mill, coaters and desiccator systems that are used to prepare samples for electron microscopy. It also has access to vacuum mounting and automated polishers (via DMH) and mills (via XRDSF).

Light Microscopy Laboratory

The MMF has a dedicated light microscopy laboratory with a Nikon ME600 light microscope and a Nikon SMZ800 stereo microscope. There is also a computer with image analysis software.

Access to MMF

Curtin staff/students and associates – There is a Registration Fee for all new users, which also covers a new user meeting to discuss your access requirements and appropriate sample preparation. It is compulsory to attend the MMF Induction if you will be using the Preparation Laboratory or any of the instruments unsupervised. After completing training, regular users can book MMF instruments via our online booking system; irregular users will need to email us to arrange a suitable time when they, a technician and the instrument are available.

Curtin University would like to pay our respect to the indigenous members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Bentley Campus is located, the Wadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie Campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.Watch our traditional Aboriginal welcome